YFCs across England and Wales have been reuniting this autumn for another year of competitions, club activities, training and social activities. Social media feeds are full of news from clubs planning activities and events and NFYFC has put together this helpful guide so you can get your YFC off to the best start!

There are loads of resources and support available to ensure you have the best YFC experience possible, here are some highlights:

Let’s Get Competitive

The competitions programme is at the heart of YFC; constantly evolving to provide members with knowledge and abilities that are relevant to their lives and careers, and promote good citizenship. Try to include Area and National competitions in your club programmes – this will help members to practice and prepare and you might discover some hidden talents.

There is plenty of information about Competitions, including details on how to apply, competition guidelines, and useful hints and tips, available in The Source. You will find the information under Section 3 of 'Club Mix: Your club programme guide', on the competitions section of the website and training is available.

Broaden Your Knowledge

Your training and development is really important to NFYFC. We have developed a suite of 18 bite-size learning modules (with more on the way) that are designed to be delivered in clubs during your weekly meetings. The Curve is designed to explore everything from organising the best money spinners to strengthening relationships in your clubs. Find out more about the Curve.

Training courses could not only help you learn something completely new but will also develop hands-on skills that can help you and your club be more successful

Successful Socials

Are you prepping for Harvest Suppers or struggling to organise your bonfire night? NFYFC has lots of useful hints and tips designed to ensure your events are financially stable, safe and enjoyable for all members.

If you’re looking for some advice planning and preparing for your club events our ‘Running Safer Social Events' document covers all the things you will need to consider pre, post and during your event.

The EU must lift the barriers to young people in the farming sector by offering them access to land and a fair income, according to a survey released by CEJA.

The UK provided 53 responses to the EU-wide survey, which highlighted the barriers for young farmers.The survey also revealed that European young farmers are environmentally conscious and want to be recognised by society for their work sustaining local communities.

The European Young Farmers: Building a Sustainable Sector report was launched at the European Parliament and NFYFC and NFU Next Generation CEJA reps James Evans and Richard Bower represented the UK at the meeting in Brussels.

Opening the conference, CEJA President Jannes Maes said: “Without young farmers in the fields of Europe the future of food production and open landscapes would be compromised.” He said the report would raise awareness about the situation of young farmers across the EU.

During their time in Brussels, James and Richard were part of a working group to consider the EU consultation on a fairer food supply chain and contributed to the formulation of a CEJA paper on Unfair Trading Practices (UTP).

Around 100 people attended the conference including young farmers from across the EU, NGOs, industry associations, and EU and national officials.